Many people enjoy the thrill of being scared during the Halloween season. Haunted houses, horror movies, spooky stories, and epic fear contribute to the adrenaline rush and excitement that comes with the holiday.
Arizona is known for its stunning desert landscapes and rich Native American history. But it also has ghost towns and haunted hotels. I’m a person who enjoys family Halloween costumes. But I also enjoy a good fright on Halloween night. From ghost stories to total darkness, I love embracing the spooky spirit of Halloween. Most haunted houses in Arizona don’t allow young children. However, that didn’t stop me from partaking in and sharing some of the ones I’ve found.
What makes a haunted house worthy of visiting?
A haunted house can be considered one of the best-haunted houses based on several factors that combine to create a memorable and immersive experience for visitors. Some of those factors that people might consider for haunted houses in Arizona are:
- Scary Atmosphere
- High-Quality Production
- Creative and Unique Themes
- Engaging Storytelling
- Surprising and Unpredictable Scares
- Talented Actors
- Variety of Scares
- Attention to Safety
- Capacity and Timing Management
- Star reviews and Reputation
Haunted Houses in Arizona
1) Fear Farm
Fear Farm Haunted Fairgrounds & Corn Maze – Fear Farm Haunted House is not just a single haunted house but a complex of multiple haunted attractions, mazes, and scare zones. There is a Haunted corn maze you can add on for an extra $10, that’s been described as pure terror. Fear Farm’s Midway only adds to your haunted experience. You’ll enjoy a spooky carnival experience complete with cotton candy and funnel cakes, music, lights, and undead characters roaming throughout. It typically opens its doors from late September through October, offering visitors a terrifying and immersive Halloween experience.
Things to know:
No costumes, facepaint, props, or handheld items are allowed inside.
While outside the haunt, feel free to take photos and grab food and drink at one of the vendors. While inside the haunt, no food, drinks, bottles, recording devices, flash photography, or flashlights are allowed.
Bring a clear bag!
Wearing heels or flip-flops is discouraged – they tend to end up in the lost and found.
Small groups only: No groups larger than 10 will be sent through together. If you arrive with more than 10 in your party, you will be split into smaller groups to enter.
Address: 6801 N. 99TH Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85307
2) Slaughter House
The Slaughterhouse was a 1950s meatpacking plant turned into five bone-chilling attractions under one roof in 2009. It was voted the scariest haunted house in the United States, and featured on the Travel Channel. Known for its brutal treatment of animals before closing down decades ago; now it has become one of Tucson’s premier haunted attractions named after its sinister past. Rumors suggest that not all spirits left when the butchery ended – visitors claim encounters with malicious entities lurking among bloodstained walls while exploring darkened hallways filled with bone-chilling screams. These rooms included the infested Boiler Room, Cirque du Slay, City Meats, The Apocalypse, and the demented Voodoo Bayou.
Things to know:
Older than 10 is recommended, but younger than 13 years old is allowed, if accompanied by an adult.
Refunds are never given.
Address: 1102 W. Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ 85705
3) Mount Mayhem
Mount Mayhem is one of the most well-regarded home haunts for its high-quality production value, creative themes, and attention to detail. It was a labor of love for the homeowners, who invested time and effort to transform their property into a hauntingly immersive experience during the Halloween season. It’s a good scare but still safe enough for the entire family. Admission is complimentary but they do accept donations.
Things to know:
- All minors must be accompanied by an adult
- No flip-flops, high heels nor wedges will be allowed as the haunt is outside. Please wear proper footwear.
Address: 1740 E Purdue Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020
4) 13th-Floor Haunted House
One of the largest and most well-known haunted houses in Phoenix, offering multiple themed attractions with high-quality production and scares. It is part of the “Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group,” which operates multiple haunted houses across different cities in the United States. The 13th Floor Haunted House in Phoenix offers a thrilling and immersive Halloween experience for horror enthusiasts and those seeking scares and thrills. The attraction typically opens during the Halloween season, from late September through late October, and provides visitors with a variety of terrifying and spooky scenes.
Things to know:
Small groups only: No groups larger than 10 will be sent through together. If you arrive with more than 10 in your party, you will be split into smaller groups to enter.
Food & Beverage: Make sure you stop by the awesome food trucks.
THE EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR CHILDREN 12 & UNDER.
Free street parking is available around the haunted house.
Address: 2814 W. BELL RD. PHOENIX, AZ 85053
5) Terror in the Corn
Voted Tucson’s best-haunted attraction for years, Tucson’s Terror In the Corn is Southern Arizona’s scariest and most unique Halloween event. Terror in the Corn offers visitors a unique and immersive haunted experience set in a spooky corn field. The attraction typically features spooky corn mazes, haunted hayrides, and other scare-filled activities. Visitors navigate their way through the haunted maze while encountering various creepy scenes, terrifying characters, and spine-chilling surprises along the way.
Address: I-10 & Marana Rd. (Exit 236) • 11820 W Marana Rd, Marana, AZ 85653
6) The Haunted Graveyard
The Haunted Graveyard is a 13-minute haunted house with live actors, fog, loud noises, illusions, and details like you’ve never seen at a home. It’s really intense and the walk-through is not recommended for children under 13 (they can always enjoy the front yard). Nestled in the heart of old town Scottsdale, this display is free to the public, with a $5 suggested donation to keep the magic alive.
Things to know:
This is a home haunt.
Please park on Granite Reef for the sanity of the neighbors and take your trash with you.
Address: 8414 E VALLEY VISTA DR, SCOTTSDALE, AZ (It’s located three blocks north of the intersection of Granite Reef Road and McDonald Drive in Scottsdale.)
7) AZ Field of Screams
Tolmachoff Farms is a family-owned and operated farm located in Glendale, Arizona. It is a popular destination for families and visitors, offering a variety of seasonal activities and events throughout the year. It is home to the AZ Field of Screams. AZ Field of Screams is a haunted corn maze, where visitors navigate through dark and eerie corridors in the cornfield, encountering creepy scenes, terrifying characters, and unexpected scares. The maze is typically themed each year to offer a fresh and unique experience to both new and returning groups of curious explorers.
This haunted attraction is designed to create an immersive and intense Halloween adventure, complete with professional actors, special effects, and intricate sets. The goal is to provide a heart-pounding experience that will leave visitors on edge and immersed in the Halloween spirit.
Things to know:
Dates: September 30th – October 31st
Fridays, Saturdays, and Halloween night
Times: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Haunted maze ticket: $25.00 all ages (last ticket sales and entry into the farm is 10:00 pm)
Combo tickets: Haunt and Family maze $30.00 all ages (last ticket sales and entry into the farm is 8:00 pm)
Opening Night Special, September 30th Special price
Haunted Maze only: $20.00 each all ages (last ticket sales and entry into the farm is 10:00 pm
Address:
5726 N 75th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85303 ·
8) Sanctum of Horror
The Sanctum of Horror is another notable haunted attraction in Mesa, offering multiple themed haunted houses and a creepy, immersive experience. It’s family owned and operated, with two different attractions you can enjoy. Located at Superstition Springs Center. Sanctum of Horror has been scaring the East Valley for 7 years. With breathtaking makeup and incredible detail that will surely frighten the soul. Not only will you be terrified, but you will be immersed in the Sanctum’s world.
Address: 6555 East Southern Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85206
8) Scarizona Scaregrounds
Scarizona Scaregrounds is home to Mayhem in the Madness and Startled Darkness haunted houses. Mayhem in the Madness is all about chaos, disorder, bedlam, and havoc. If you do not wish to see clowns, blood, guts, gore, human flesh torn, stoplights, smoke, or other shocking experiences then you should not attend. Startled Darkness is complete darkness. If you don’t like dark confined spaces this is not the house for you. This interactive experience has a variety of startling sounds, jolts, jumps, and scares. If you do not like things jumping out at you or close encounters with people from all angles, you should not enter this house! In 2020 some of the attractions included: Epic Fear, Slayer’s Slaughter House, and Arizona’s first interactive zombie paintball shoot “Operation Zombie Storm.”
Things to know:
not recommended for kids under the age of 12 years old.
no flip flops or open-toed shoes.
Address:
1901 N. Alma School Road
Mesa, Arizona 85201
9) Terror Nights Haunted House
Terror Nights is a walk-through home haunt/haunted house located in Tempe, Arizona. It has been operating for over 13 years.
Address: 511 E La Donna Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283
10) Nightfall at Old Tucson
“Nightfall at Old Tucson” is a popular haunted attraction located at Old Tucson, a Western-themed movie studio and theme park in Tucson, Arizona. Nightfall typically takes place during the Halloween season, offering visitors a unique and thrilling experience. This totally terrifying town is a fully immersive experience that combines terrifying mazes with live entertainment and a town full of characters that you can interact with throughout the night. You can choose to uncover their secrets, help them with their problems or just enjoy a show at the Grand Palace. If you’re a fan of haunted experiences and enjoy a mix of Halloween scares with an Old West twist, Nightfall at Old Tucson is likely to provide a memorable and spooky adventure.
Address: 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735
11) The Gauntlet Haunted House
Located at Golfland-sunsplash The Gauntlet is a terrifying maze full of heart-pounding terror. Our multi-level haunted house contains ground-breaking special effects, animatronics, and skilled actors. The Gauntlet is not recommended for young children under 13 years old and those with heart conditions. Participants will be required to crawl and climb over objects and stairs.
Things to know: If you require special accommodations, please be sure to inform the haunted house staff.
Address: 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
What makes haunted houses in Arizona special?
Halloween allows people of all ages to embrace their playful side and indulge in dressing up in costumes. It’s an opportunity to become someone or something else for a night, which can be exciting and liberating. It brings communities together and creates a sense of camaraderie. Ultimately, what makes a haunted house one of the best is its ability to transport visitors into a world of fright, leaving them with lasting memories and a sense of exhilaration. A combination of creativity, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering a thrilling and safe experience sets the best-haunted attractions apart from the rest.
Keep in mind that the themes and designs of the haunted houses in Arizona may change from year to year to keep the attraction fresh and exciting. As with any seasonal attraction, it’s important to check the official website or local event listings for the most up-to-date information about the opening hours and dates for the current year. Remember that information might change from year to year, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly if you’re interested in experiencing any Halloween attractions.
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